West Palm Beach, FL (April 7, 2026) — Today, Related Ross, through the Related Ross Foundation, celebrated the graduation of its Stephen M. Ross Emerging Scholars Program in partnership with Palm Beach State College, marking a major milestone in providing education access for local students.
Hosted by Related Ross, the event convened approximately 300 graduating seniors from Palm Beach Lakes Community High School, where students received college admissions and scholarship opportunities to continue their education. Backed by an $8 million commitment from Stephen Ross and inaugurated in 2024, the Emerging Scholars program provides a comprehensive, multi-year support system for students, including dedicated guidance and counseling, summer academic programming, and full tuition scholarships to Palm Beach State College.
“This program is about creating real, lasting pathways to opportunity for students in our community,” said Jeremy Morse, Executive Director of Related Ross Foundation. “By investing early and surrounding students with the resources, mentorship, and financial support they need, we’re helping unlock their full potential and strengthening the future workforce of Palm Beach County.”
“This generous investment from Mr. Stephen M. Ross and the Related Ross Foundation represents a transformative opportunity for Palm Beach Lakes High School graduates,” said Palm Beach State College President Ava L. Parker, J.D. “By removing financial barriers, this partnership ensures that every student—regardless of background—has access to a high-quality college education and a clear pathway to achieve their career goals. It embodies our shared commitment to expanding opportunity and strengthening the future workforce of Palm Beach County.”
“Seeing these students receive scholarships and immediate admission to Palm Beach State College shows the impact of strong community partnerships,” Superintendent Michael J. Burke said. “We appreciate Palm Beach State College and the Related Ross Foundation for providing these two-year, full-ride scholarships, which creates a debt-free path to higher education right here in Palm Beach County. By removing financial barriers, we give our students the freedom to focus on their academic goals and their future careers. As an ‘A’ rated district, we are committed to providing every student with the tools they need to succeed. This collaboration serves as a direct investment in our collective future, proving that when we support our students today, we build a stronger and more prepared local workforce for tomorrow.”
A defining moment of the event was the unexpected presentation of “Golden Tickets,” distributed to qualifying students – each symbolizing a full-ride scholarships to Palm Beach State College. As students discovered their award, those who had completed their application process were invited on stage for recognition, creating a genuine moment of surprise and excitement while reinforcing a tangible and immediate pathway toward higher education.
The program featured remarks from key education leaders, including:
Together, speakers emphasized the importance of early access to educational resources, mentorship, and community investment in preparing students for long-term success.
Participants of the Emerging Scholars Program will also engage in a three-week Early College Summer Academy, which served 245 students in 2025 across five schools, supported by 24 peer mentors and instructors. The program has achieved over 90% attendance and retention, alongside strong academic outcomes, including a 3.31 average GPA and growing dual enrollment participation. To date, the program has awarded more than 150 scholarships, building on its inaugural year and delivering direct financial support to students pursuing higher education.
This annual event underscores Related Ross’ continued investment in expanding educational access and supporting long-term economic mobility across Palm Beach County, with a goal of reaching 500 students annually in the years to come. The Emerging Scholars Program continues to demonstrate strong early outcomes, including high participation rates, sustained academic performance, and increased college enrollment momentum among participating students. Through continued investment and partnership with local schools, the program is building a scalable model for expanding access to education and strengthening the future workforce in Palm Beach County.
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Media Contact
relatedross@orchestraco.com
About Related Ross:
Led by visionary developer Stephen Ross, Related Ross is a fully integrated real estate company shaping South Florida’s next generation of growth. With more than $10B planned in investment across Palm Beach County, the firm is a market leader in attracting global companies and talent to South Florida.
As a catalyst for regional growth, Related Ross is advancing developments through public-private partnerships that strengthen business ecosystems, expand attainable housing offerings, support world-class healthcare, enhance higher education and K-12 opportunities, and cultivate innovation hubs to accelerate South Florida’s dynamic business and cultural growth. The firm also curates entertainment programming and thought-leadership initiatives that position the region as a national center for ideas and experiences. Its portfolio spans mixed-use, Class AA+ lifestyle office, luxury residential, affordable housing, city centers, hotels and hospitality, and public realm, designed to anchor long-term economic vitality in the communities they build.
Through the Related Ross Foundation, the company ensures equitable growth that expands access to education, employment, and opportunity across the region.
For more information, visit www.relatedross.com.
About the School District of Palm Beach County
Palm Beach County School District is the tenth largest in the nation and the fifth largest in the State of Florida, serving more than 193,000 students (this number includes students that attend non-District operated Charter Schools) who speak 150 languages and dialects. The School District is the largest employer in Palm Beach County.
About Palm Beach State College
Founded in 1933 as Florida’s first public community college, Palm Beach State College has been an integral player in the growth and prosperity of Palm Beach County. Our graduates impact every industry and are community and business leaders. With 170 different programs of study, PBSC offers bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, professional certificates, career training and lifelong learning. More than 40,000 students enroll annually in onsite, online, live online and hybrid classes at five convenient locations in Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee Groves and Palm Beach Gardens, and through PBSC Online. Learn more at www.pbsc.edu.
